Method and apparatus for suspending a package in an elevated position

ABSTRACT

One embodiment provides a method and apparatus for suspending air conditioning duct works from a support structure comprising unistrut type support beams which apparatus includes a plurality of support brackets arranged and configured for being slidably interlockable with the interior of the unistrut beam members. The support brackets can be slid inside the interior of the support beam until adjacent a support beam which support beam can be connected to the support bracket. In like manner additional support brackets can be inserted into the interior of the support beam members to be adjustably located next to their respective support rod. In such manner multiple support rods can be used to support a frame member even where the support rods are not symmetrically located along the length of the support beam as the support bracket can be slid/moved inside the support beam until lining up with its respective support rod. Additionally, the entire support framework can be moved relative to the plurality of support rods by sliding the framework relative to the support brackets. In such manner the location of the supporting frame member can be changed without moving the support rods.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/521,947,filed Jul. 25, 2019 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,677,376 on Jun. 9,2020), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/911,406, filed Mar. 5, 2018 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,364,918 onJul. 30, 2019), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 15/243,189, filed Aug. 22, 2016 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,909,691on Mar. 6, 2018), which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/835,167, filed Aug. 25, 2015 (issued as U.S. Pat. No.9,423,054 on Aug. 23, 2016), which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/190,253, filed Feb. 26, 2014 (issued as U.S.Pat. No. 9,113,728 on Aug. 25, 2015), which is a continuation in part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/613,039, filed on Sep. 13, 2012,(issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,320,370 on Apr. 26, 2016).

Each of the above referenced applications/patents are incorporated byreference. Priority of each of these applications is hereby claimed.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”

Not applicable

BACKGROUND

In supporting packages at elevated positions with structural supportsystems vertical locations such as ceilings or roofing frameworks,difficulties exist because of the irregular locations of possibletensile support connections.

It would be desirable to have a method and apparatus which allows theuser to compensate for the irregular spacing of vertical tensile memberswhen supporting the structural support systems with packages to besupported through the use of support brackets which are longitudinallyadjustable relative to the longitudinal length of the structural supportsystem.

While certain novel features of this invention shown and described beloware pointed out in the annexed claims, the invention is not intended tobe limited to the details specified, since a person of ordinary skill inthe relevant art will understand that various omissions, modifications,substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the deviceillustrated and in its operation may be made without departing in anyway from the spirit of the present invention. No feature of theinvention is critical or essential unless it is expressly stated asbeing “critical” or “essential.”

BRIEF SUMMARY

The apparatus of the present invention solves the problems confronted inthe art in a simple and straightforward manner.

one embodiment provides a method and apparatus for suspending airconditioning duct works from a support structure comprising unistruttype support beams which apparatus includes a plurality of supportbrackets arranged and configured for being slidably interlockable withthe interior of the unistrut beam members.

In one embodiment the support brackets can be slid inside the interiorof the support beam until adjacent a support beam which support beam canbe connected to the support bracket. In like manner additional supportbrackets can be inserted into the interior of the support beam membersto be adjustably located next to their respective support rod. In suchmanner multiple support rods can be used to support a frame member evenwhere the support rods are not symmetrically located along the length ofthe support beam as the support bracket can be slid/moved inside thesupport beam until lining up with its respective support rod.Additionally, the entire support framework can be moved relative to theplurality of support rods by sliding the framework relative to thesupport brackets. In such manner the location of the supporting framemember can be changed without moving the support rods.

One embodiment generally relates to devices for supporting framemembers, and more particularly to an apparatus for supporting a framecomprising multiple unistrut support beams with slidable type supportbrackets.

One embodiment provides an apparatus for suspending a frame member froma support structure (e.g., a building frame) which includes a pluralityof slidably interlockable support brackets.

In one embodiment, the brackets can comprise a V-shaped element havingan upright

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and includeexemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages ofthe present invention, reference should be had to the following detaileddescription, read in conjunction with the following drawings, whereinlike reference numerals denote like elements and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a support bracket.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the bracket of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the bracket of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the bracket of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the bracket of FIG. 1 with an exploded view ofa support arm for such bracket.

FIG. 6 shows side view of the bracket in FIG. 1 along with a unistrutframe member in which the bracket can be inserted.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the bracket of FIG. 1 being insertedinto a unistrut frame.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the bracket of FIG. 7 now inserted into theunistrut frame and showing the bracket hanging in an unsupportedposition in the interior of the unistrut frame.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the bracket of FIG. 7 now inserted into theunistrut frame and with the bracket being supported by a support arm,and the bracket now supporting the unistrut frame.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of one of the bracket in FIG. 7 where theportion of the bracket in the interior of the unistrut frame is shown indashed lines.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the bracket shown in FIG. 7 where aportion of the unistrut frame has been cutaway.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a support frame for an A/C duct whichsupport frame is supported by a set of four brackets of the constructionshown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a support clampingsection.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the support clamping section of FIG. 13located on the upper surface of the bracket of FIG. 1.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the support clamping section of FIG. 13located on top of the bracket of FIG. 1 with an exploded view of asupport arm for such bracket.

FIG. 16 is a side view of the bracket of FIG. 1 now inserted into theunistrut frame and showing the bracket hanging in an unsupportedposition in the interior of the unistrut frame, with the clampingsection of FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 is a side view of the bracket of FIG. 1 now inserted into theunistrut frame and with the bracket being supported by a support arm,and the bracket now supporting the unistrut frame, and with the clampingsection of FIG. 13 acting a secondary clamp between the bracket andunistrut frame.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the bracket of FIG. 1 now inserted intoa unistrut frame and with the clamping section of FIG. 13 acting asecondary clamp between the bracket and unistrut frame.

FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of one of the bracket and clamp of FIG. 18where a portion of the unistrut frame and clamp have been cutawayshowing portions of the interior of the unistrut frame and portion ofthe bracket.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a support frame for an A/C duct whichsupport frame is supported by a set of four brackets of the constructionshown in FIG. 1, and with one of the brackets including a supportclamping section of FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed descriptions of one or more preferred embodiments are providedherein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention maybe embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosedherein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis forthe claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in theart to employ the present invention in any appropriate system, structureor manner.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a support bracket 100in accordance with one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view of supportbracket 100. FIG. 3 is a rear view of support bracket 100. FIG. 4 is atop view of support bracket 100.

In this disclosure a single support bracket 100 will be described indetail. However, it is to be understood that the various supportbrackets (e.g., 100′, 100″, 100′″ etc.) can be constructed substantiallysimilar to support bracket 100 and do not need to be describedseparately.

Generally, support bracket 100 can comprise locking section 300 which isconnected to support flange 200. Support bracket 100 can have first end110 and second end 120, along with an apex 310 and lower end 384. Invarious embodiments transition portion 250 can be provided betweensupport flange 200 and locking section 300 of support bracket 100.

In various embodiments this transition section can include a recessedarea 255 between support section 200 and locking section 300 can beprovided. In one embodiment recessed 255 area can be an upwardly facingsocket which accepts socket 942. In one embodiment recessed area 255 asa socket can comprise two planer flanges forming a “V” shape. In otherembodiments recessed area 255 can be other shapes wherein recessed areacradling socket 942 of framing member 900. In various embodiments thisrecessed area 255 can be omitted and support flange 200 can be planer atits transition 250 with locking section 300.

In one embodiment upper surface 202 of support section can be at avertical height which is at least equal to the top of socket 942. Invarious embodiments upper surface 202 can be at a larger vertical heightthan the top of socket 942.

In one embodiment upper surface 202 of support section can be at avertical height which is at least equal to the bottom of socket 942. Invarious embodiments upper surface 202 can be at a larger vertical heightthan the bottom of socket 942.

Locking section 300 can comprise first flange 340 which is connected tosecond flange 380. First and second flanges 340, 380 can form a V-shapedlocking section. First flange 340 can be planer, as can be second flange380.

First flange 340 can include first side 354 and second side 358, alongwith lower end 344 and upper end 348. Second flange 380 can includefirst side 394 and second side 398, along with lower end 384 and upperend 388.

Support flange 200 can be attached to locking section 300 via curvedsection 250. Support flange 200 can include first side 214 and secondside 218, along with lower surface 204 and upper surface 208.

FIG. 5 is a side view of support bracket 100 with an exploded view of atensile member 800 (e.g., arm/rod/chain/cord/wire) for supporting in anelevated position bracket 300 hanging from a overhead support systemsuch as a ceiling, beam, frame, etc.

Support bracket 100 can be attached to tensile member 800 via opening210 using threaded area 810, first nut 820 and second nut 830. Washers822 and 832 can be used if desired.

As shown in FIG. 5 second portion 380 of locking section 300 can have aheight 390 between apex 310 and lower end 384 of second flange 380.First flange 340 and second flange 380 can make an angle 420. Angle 420can be about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75,80, 85, and 90 degrees. In various embodiments angle 420 can be betweenabout any two of the above referenced degree measurements.

FIG. 6 shows side view of support bracket 100 along with a unistrutframe member 900 in which bracket 100 can be inserted in a lockingfashion. In this disclosure a single frame member 900 100 will bedescribed in detail. However, it is to be understood that the variousframing members (e.g., 900′, etc.) can be constructed substantiallysimilar to frame member 900, and do not need to be described separately.

Framing member 900 can comprise top web 930 along with first flange 940and second flange 950, and have first end 910 and second end 920. Topweb 930 generally makes a 90 degree angle with first and second flanges940,950. Between top web 930 and first and second flanges 940, 950 canbe interior 970. Interior 970 can have a width 974 and height 972. Atthe bottom end of first flange 940 can be a socket 944 which generallyfaces interior 970, and in various embodiments faces top web 930. At thebottom end of second flange 950 can be socket 954 which generally facesinterior 970, and in various embodiments top web 930. Between socket 942and socket 954 can be an open gap 978.

FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 illustrate the flexibility of positioning andfrictionally locking support bracket 100 in framing member 900.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of support bracket 100 being inserted intoframing member 900 through first end 910 (schematically indicated byarrow 904). FIG. 8 is a side view of support bracket 100 now insertedinto framing member 900 and showing bracket 100 hanging in a locked butunsupported position in the interior 970 of frame. FIG. 9 is a side viewof support bracket 100 now inserted into framing member 900 and with thebracket 100 being supported by support arm 800 and tending to apply tobracket 100 a rotational torque in the direction of arrow 1510 againstframing member 900, with bracket 100 now supporting the framing member900 and being in a longitudinally locked position (i.e., locked in thedirection of longitudinal centerline 980). Such longitudinal lockingoccurs because of the frictional forces arising between bracket 100 andframing member 900 (where end 384 of bracket 100 is frictionally engagedwith the interior side of socket 952 of framing member 900, andtransition 250 of bracket 100 frictionally engages with the exteriorside of socket 942 of framing member 900.

As schematically indicated in FIG. 8, support bracket 100 isfrictionally unlocked relative to framing member 900 when not attachedto rod 800—where any frictional forces between support bracket 100 andframing member 900 are minimized, and allowing support bracket 100 to berotated in the direction of arrow 1510 and slidably adjusted in alongitudinal direction while remaining within framing member 900. Thisslidable adjustability is schematically indicated by arrows 1610 in FIG.7. It is noted that in this longitudinally-frictionally unlocked state,support bracket 100 is preferably still maintained in framing member 900based on height 390 of second flange 390 being larger than the opendistance 978 between socket 942 and socket 954, and preferably largerthan the larger of: (a) width 974 less width 944 and (b) width 974 lesswidth 954. In this manner bracket 100 will tend not to fall out of theinterior 974 of framing member 900.

FIG. 9 schematically shows bracket 100 entering a frictionallylongitudinal locked (arrow 1500) and supported state relative to framingmember 900. In this state lower end 384 of bracket 100 will enter theinterior of socket 952, and bracket 100 will push against the exteriorof socket 942. Tensile member 800 supports support bracket 100, andsupport bracket 100 supports framing member 900 as schematicallyindicated by arrow 1550.

As schematically shown in FIG. 9, support bracket can be frictionallylocked relative to framing member 900 be attaching rod 800 causingsupport bracket to be rotated direction of arrow 1500 entering africtionally locked and supported state relative to framing member 900.In this state lower end 384 of bracket 100 will enter the interior ofsocket 952, and bracket 100 will push against the exterior of socket942. Tensile member 800 supports support bracket 100 in the direction ofarrow 1550, and support bracket 100 supports framing member 900 also inthe direction of arrow 1550.

Recessed area 255 can form a socket which reinforces the structuralrigidity of framing member 900. As schematically indicted in FIG. 9 aload (indicated by arrow 1540) applied to framing member 900 will tendto cause flanges 940 and 950 to outwardly flex (schematically indicatedby arrows 1542 and 1544). With such an event, in combination (a)recessed area 255 (e.g., acting as a socket) can cradle the end offlange 940 and (b) lower end 384 of second flange 380 held in socket 942will resist such tendency of the flanges 940 and 950 to outwardly flexand thereby increase the amount of load framing member 900 can takebefore failure. In various embodiments, when compared to having nothaving flanges 940 and 940 reinforced against outwardly bending, suchincrease in load capacity can be greater than about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50,60, 70, 80, 90, 100 percent.

As shown in FIG. 12 framing member 900 is part of an overall supportstructure 1000 for supporting a package 1200 in an elevated position,the structural configuration of support structure 2000 (e.g., pluralityof interconnected support beams 2010) will resist framing member 900from rotating in the direction of arrow 1500 when tensile member placesa rotational load on bracket 100 which rotational load is transferred tosupport beam 900.

In various embodiments the height of locking section (distance betweenlower end 384 and apex 310) can be greater than 50 percent of the height972 of interior 970 of support beam 900. In various embodiments theheight can be greater than 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, and 95percent of the height 972 of interior 970 of support beam 900. Invarious embodiments the height can be between about any two of the abovereferenced percentages.

In FIG. 9 is shown angle 260 can be formed between support flange 200and first flange 940. Angle 260 can be about 45, 55, 65, 75, 85, 90, 95,105, 115, 125, and 135 degrees. In various embodiments angle 260 can bebetween about any two of the above referenced degree measurements.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of support bracket 100 where the portion ofbracket 100 in the interior 970 of framing member 900 is shown in dashedlines. FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of support bracket 100 where aportion of framing member 900 has been cutaway.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a support frame 2000 which supports, inan elevated position, a package 2200 (e.g., A/C ductwork). Support frame2000 can comprise framing members 900 and 900′ along with a plurality ofinterconnected support beams 2010. Support frame 2000 can be supportedin an elevated position by a plurality of tensile members 800, 800′,800″, etc. which are respectively supporting a plurality of supportbrackets 100, 100′, 100″, etc. which are connected to a framing member900 or 900′.

Tensile members tensile members 800, 800′, 800″, etc. can themselves besupported themselves in a structure such as a ceiling, rafters, beams,etc. Tensile members 800 can be any structural element strong enough tosupport load or package 1200 at an elevated position in relation to aground surface. Such members can be arms, rods, chains, cords, wires,etc.

As schematically indicated in FIG. 12, in one embodiment the methodcomprises the following steps:

(a) providing a support structure 2000 comprising first and secondframing members 900,900′, each having first and second ends andinteriors, which framing members 900, 900′ are structurallyinterconnected with each other;

(b) provide a plurality of support brackets 100,100;

(c) inserting at least one of the plurality of support brackets (bracket100) into the interior 970 of support frame 900, and sliding(schematically indicated by arrows 1610) the bracket 100 into a selectedlongitudinal position relative to support frame 900, and between thefirst and second ends of support frame 900;

(d) inserting at least one of the plurality of support brackets (bracket100″) into the interior 970″ of support frame 900′, and sliding(schematically indicated by arrows 1630) the bracket 100′ into aselected longitudinal position relative to support frame 900′, andbetween the first and second ends of support frame 900;

(e) supporting the support bracket 100 in an elevated position with atensile member 800;

(f) supporting the support bracket 100″ in an elevated position with atensile member 800″; and

(g) wherein support structure 2000 includes a package 1200 to beelevated.

In various embodiments the support brackets can be constructedsubstantially similar to each other.

In various embodiments the support brackets can include connectingstructure 300 which includes first 340 and second 380 flanges.

In various embodiments the support beams 900 can include first 942 andsecond 952 sockets.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a support clampingsection 500. Clamping section 500 can include first end 510 and secondend 520. Between first and second ends 510,520 can be first portion 550,second portion 560, and third portion 570.

Third portion can include slot 580, although an opening 580′ can also beused for accepting a support rod 800.

First portion 550 is shown being at substantially ninety degrees fromsecond portion 560, and substantially parallel to third portion 570.However, the angles between first portion 550, second portion 560, andthird portion 570 can vary. Generally it is preferred that first portion550 will be parallel to or be pointing towards web portion 930 ofsupport beam 900.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the support clamping section 500located on the upper surface of the bracket 100. FIG. 15 is a side viewof support clamping section 500 located on top of bracket 100 with anexploded view of a support arm 800 for such bracket 100. Support bracket100 and clamping section 500 can be attached to tensile member 800 viaopening 210 using threaded area 810, first nut 820 and second nut 830.Washers 822 and 832 can be used if desired. Slot 580 lines up withopening 210. Lower surface 576 of third portion 570 rests on supportsection 200 of clamp 100. Lower surface 556 of first section 550 is at ahigher elevation than apex 310 of locking section 300.

FIG. 16 is a side view of bracket 100 now inserted into the unistrutframe 900 and showing the bracket 100 hanging in an unsupported positionin the interior 970 of the unistrut frame 900, with the clamping section500 schematically shown in position to be assembled with support bracket100. FIG. 17 is a side view of bracket 100 now inserted into theinterior 970 of unistrut frame 900 and with bracket 100 being supportedby a support arm 800, and the bracket 100 now supporting the unistrutframe 900, and with the clamping section 500 acting a secondary clampbetween the bracket 100 and unistrut frame 900.

Arrows 592 schematically indicate that third section 570 of clampingsection 500 is pushed against support section 200 of bracket 100 byactions of nuts 820,830. In one embodiment lower surface 556 of firstsection 550 pushes against web 930 of strut 900 (schematically indicatedby arrow 1540) while at the same time recessed area 255 pushes upagainst socket 942 (schematically indicated by arrow 1542). Such opposedforces provide a clamping action between bracket 100 with clampingsection 500 against strut 900. In this embodiment there is no gapbetween lower surface 556 and web 930 of strut 900. In otherembodiments, even after nuts 820,830 are tightened there can be smallgap 590 between lower surface 556 and web 930 of strut 900. Such gap 590can facilitate sliding of bracket 100 relative to strut 900 butpreventing the falling out of bracket 100 from interior 970 of strut900. In various embodiments the gap 590 can be adjusted by insertion ofone or more washers 822′ between lower side 576 of third section 570 andsupport member 200 of bracket 100 (although in FIG. 17 washer 822 isshown on upper side 574 of third section 570), one or more washers 822′,822″, etc. can be positioned under clamping section 570 and abovesupport section 200.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of bracket 100 now inserted into aunistrut frame 900 and with the clamping section 500 acting a secondaryclamp between the bracket 100 and unistrut frame 900.

FIG. 19 is an enlarged cutaway view of the bracket 100 and clamp 500where a portion of the unistrut frame 900 and clamp 500 have beenremoved showing portions of the interior 970 of unistrut frame 900 andportion of bracket 100 support section 200 located in this interior 970.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a support frame 2000 for an A/C duct1200 which support frame 2000 is supported by a set of four brackets100, 100′, 100″, 100′″, and with one of the brackets 100 including asupport clamping section 500. Although not shown, brackets 100′, 100″,100′″ can also include respective clamping sections 500, or any one ormore of brackets 100, 100′, 100″, 100′″ can include clamping sections500.

Support frame 2000 can comprise framing members 900 and 900′ along witha plurality of interconnected support beams 2010. Support frame 2000 canbe supported in an elevated position by a plurality of tensile members800, 800′, 800″, etc. which are respectively supporting a plurality ofsupport brackets 100, 100′, 100″, etc. which are connected to a framingmember 900 or 900′. Tensile members tensile members 800, 800′, 800″,etc. can themselves be supported themselves in a structure such as aceiling, rafters, beams, etc. Tensile members 800 can be any structuralelement strong enough to support load or package 1200 at an elevatedposition in relation to a ground surface. Such members can be arms,rods, chains, cords, wires, etc.

As schematically indicated in FIG. 20, in one embodiment the methodcomprises the following steps:

(a) providing a support structure 2000 comprising first and secondframing members 900,900′, each having first and second ends andinteriors, which framing members 900, 900′ are structurallyinterconnected with each other;

(b) provide a plurality of support brackets 100,100′ and a plurality ofclamping sections 500,500′;

(c) inserting at least one of the plurality of support brackets (bracket100) into the interior 970 of support frame 900, and sliding(schematically indicated by arrows 1610) the bracket 100 into a selectedlongitudinal position relative to support frame 900, and between thefirst and second ends of support frame 900, and attaching a clampingsection 500 to the bracket 100;

(d) inserting at least one of the plurality of support brackets (bracket100″) into the interior 970″ of support frame 900′, and sliding(schematically indicated by arrows 1630) the bracket 100′ into aselected longitudinal position relative to support frame 900′, andbetween the first and second ends of support frame 900′900, andattaching a clamping section 500 to the bracket 100;

(e) supporting the support bracket 100 in an elevated position with atensile member 800;

(f) supporting the support bracket 100″ in an elevated position with atensile member 800″; and

(g) wherein support structure 2000 includes a package 1200 to beelevated.

The following is a list of reference numerals:

LIST FOR REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   -   (Reference No.) (Description)    -   100 support bracket    -   110 first end    -   120 second end    -   150 first side    -   160 second side    -   200 support section    -   202 upper surface of support section    -   204 lower surface of support section    -   210 opening    -   214 first side of support section    -   218 second side of support portion    -   250 transition between support section and first portion    -   255 recessed area    -   260 angle    -   300 locking section    -   310 apex of locking section    -   340 first flange    -   341 upper face of first flange    -   342 lower face of first flange    -   344 lower end of first flange    -   348 upper end of first flange    -   354 first side of first flange    -   358 second side of first flange    -   380 second flange    -   381 upper face of second flange    -   382 lower face of second flange    -   384 lower end of second flange    -   388 upper end of second flange    -   390 height of second flange    -   394 first side of second flange    -   398 second side of second flange    -   420 angle between first and section flange    -   500 clamp    -   510 first end    -   520 second end    -   550 first portion    -   554 upper surface    -   556 lower surface    -   560 second portion    -   564 upper surface    -   566 lower surface    -   570 third portion    -   574 upper surface    -   576 lower surface    -   580 slot    -   590 gap    -   592 arrows    -   800 support rod    -   810 threaded area    -   820 first nut    -   822 washer for first nut    -   830 second nut    -   832 washer for second nut    -   900 support beam    -   904 arrow    -   910 first end    -   920 second end    -   930 web portion    -   940 first flange of C-section    -   942 socket    -   944 width of socket or curved section    -   950 second flange of C-section    -   952 socket    -   954 width of socket or curved section    -   970 interior    -   972 height of interior    -   974 width of interior    -   978 width of open section    -   980 longitudinal centerline    -   1000 supporting structure    -   1010 plurality of supporting beams    -   1200 duct    -   1500 rotation from non-support to supporting for bracket    -   1510 arrow    -   1540 arrow    -   1542 arrow    -   1544 arrow    -   1550 arrow    -   1560 arrow    -   1600 plurality of adjustment arrows    -   1610 arrow    -   1620 arrow    -   1630 arrow    -   1640 arrow    -   2000 supporting structure    -   2010 plurality of supporting beams

All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature andpressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise. Allmaterials used or intended to be used in a human being arebiocompatible, unless indicated otherwise.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or twoor more together may also find a useful application in other types ofmethods differing from the type described above. Without furtheranalysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the presentinvention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adaptit for various applications without omitting features that, from thestandpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics ofthe generic or specific aspects of this invention set forth in theappended claims. The foregoing embodiments are presented by way ofexample only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited onlyby the following claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A structural framework comprising: (a) afirst support beam, the first beam having first and second flanges, andan interior, the first support beam having a first longitudinalcenterline; (b) a first support bracket connectable to the first supportbeam, the first support bracket comprising: (i) a first flange of thefirst support bracket, (ii) a second flange of the first supportbracket, the first flange of the first support bracket meeting thesecond flange of the first support bracket at an apex and forming anangle with the second flange of the first support bracket, (iii) asupport section connected to the first flange of the first supportbracket, wherein the first support bracket has locked and unlockedstates relative to the first support beam, and the first support bracketchanges from an unlocked state to a locked state relative to the firstsupport beam by rotation in a first rotational direction about an axiswhich is generally parallel to the first longitudinal axis and creatinga rotational locking force between the first support bracket and thefirst support beam, and the first support bracket changes from a lockedstate to an unlocked state relative to the first support beam byrotation in a second rotational direction about the axis which isgenerally parallel to the first longitudinal axis, but opposite of thatof the first rotational direction of the first support bracket; and (iv)a first clamping section releasably connectable to the first supportbracket and when connected to the first support bracket maintaining thefirst support bracket in the locked state relative to the first supportbeam by squeezing the first support beam between the first supportbracket and the first clamping section.
 2. The structural framework ofclaim 1, further comprising: (c) a second support beam, the second beamhaving ends forming a channel shape with an interior, the ends havingfirst and second inwardly facing flanges, and the interior having asecond longitudinal centerline; (d) a second support bracket connectableto the second support beam, the second support bracket comprising: (i) afirst flange of the second support bracket, (ii) a second flange of thesecond support bracket, the first flange of the second support bracketmeeting the second flange of the second support bracket at an apex andforming an angle with the second flange of the second support bracket,(iii) a support section connected to the first flange of the secondsupport bracket, wherein the second support bracket has locked andunlocked states relative to the second support beam, and the secondsupport bracket changes from an unlocked state to a locked staterelative to the second support bracket by rotation in a first rotationaldirection about an axis which is generally parallel to the secondlongitudinal axis and creating a rotational locking force between thesecond support bracket and the second support beam which increases asthe amount of weight supported by the second support bracket isincreased, and the second support bracket changes from a locked state toan unlocked state relative to the second support bracket by rotation ina second rotational direction about the axis which is generally parallelto the second longitudinal axis, but opposite of that of the firstrotational direction of the second support bracket; and (iv) a secondclamping section releasably connectable to the second support bracketand when connected to the second support bracket maintaining the secondsupport bracket in the locked state relative to the second support beamby squeezing the second support beam between the second support bracketand the second clamping section.
 3. The structural framework of claim 2,wherein the first and second flanges of the first support bracket form aV-shape and the first and second flanges of the second support bracketform a V-shape.
 4. The structural framework of claim 2, wherein thefirst clamping section has first, second and third sections, with thefirst section including a slot, and the slot being used to connect thefirst clamping section to the first support bracket.
 5. The structuralframework of claim 2, wherein the first clamping section is threadablyconnected to the first support bracket.
 6. The structural framework ofclaim 2, wherein connecting the first clamp to the first support bracketcauses the first support bracket to rotate from the unlocked to thelocked state.
 7. A structural framework comprising: (a) a first supportbeam, the first beam having ends forming a shape with an interior, theends having first and second sockets, each socket having interior andexterior surfaces, the first support beam having a longitudinalcenterline; (b) a first support bracket connected to the first supportbeam, the first support bracket comprising: (i) a first flange, (ii) asecond flange, the first flange meeting the second flange at an apex andforming an angle with the second flange, (iii) a support sectionconnected to the first flange, wherein the first and second flanges areat least partially located in the interior of first support beam, andthe second flange is supported by the second socket of the first supportbeam, and the first flange extending below the first socket of the firstsupport beam, and wherein a first support rod is connected to thesupport section, the first support rod remains outside of the crosssection of the first support beam when said cross section is projectedvertically from the longitudinal centerline of the first support beam;and (iv) a first clamping section releasably connectable to the firstsupport bracket and when connected to the first support bracketsqueezing the first support beam between the first support bracket andthe first clamping section.
 8. The structural framework of claim 7,wherein the first and second flanges of the first support bracket form aV-shape and the first and second flanges of the second support bracketform a V-shape.
 9. The structural framework of claim 7, wherein thefirst clamping section has first, second and third sections, with thefirst section including a slot, and the slot being used to connect thefirst clamping section to the first support bracket.
 10. The structuralframework of claim 7, wherein the first clamping section is threadablyconnected to the first support bracket.
 11. A structural frameworkcomprising: (a) a first support beam, the first beam having ends forminga channel shape with an interior, the ends having at least one socket,the at least one socket having interior and exterior surfaces, the firstsupport beam having a longitudinal centerline, and the first supportbeam having a bottom opening located next to the at least one socket;(b) a second support beam, the second support beam having ends forming achannel shape with an interior, the ends having at least one inwardlyfacing socket, the at least one socket having interior and exteriorsurfaces, the second support beam having a longitudinal centerline; (c)a first support bracket connected to the first support beam, the firstsupport bracket comprising: (i) a first flange, (ii) a second flange,the first flange meeting the second flange at an apex and forming anangle with the second flange, (iii) a support section connected to thefirst flange, wherein the first and second flanges are at leastpartially located in the interior of the first support beam, and thesecond flange extends into and is supported by the interior surface ofthe at least one socket of the first support beam, and the first flangeextends below the first socket of the first support beam and contactbetween the first flange and the exterior surface of the at least onesocket in combination with the support of the second planar flange bythe interior surface of the at least one socket resists rotation of thefirst support bracket about an axis which is generally parallel to thelongitudinal centerline of the first support beam, and (iv) a firstclamping section releasably connectable to the first support bracket andwhen connected to the first support bracket squeezing the first supportbeam between the first support bracket and the first clamping section.12. The structural framework of claim 11, wherein the first and secondflanges of the first support bracket form a V-shape and the first andsecond flanges of the second support bracket form a V-shape.
 13. Thestructural framework of claim 11, wherein the first clamping section hasfirst, second and third sections, with the first section including aslot, and the slot being used to connect the first clamping section tothe first support bracket.
 14. The structural framework of claim 11,wherein the first clamping section is threadably connected to the firstsupport bracket.